Bloodstock Open Air 2026 just cranked the volume to eleven with a seismic addition: Body Count, led by the legendary Ice-T, will storm the Ronnie James Dio main stage as special guests on Sunday, August 9, playing right before headliners Judas Priest. After a decade of fan pleas, the Grammy-winning rap-metal pioneers are set to deliver their blistering fusion of street grit and crushing riffs for their long-overdue festival debut at Catton Park, Derbyshire, August 6-9, 2026. This is no ordinary set—it’s a cornerstone of Bloodstock’s silver anniversary celebration, promising one of the most unforgettable shows in the festival’s history.
With Body Count joining an already colossal lineup featuring Lamb of God, Slaughter to Prevail, Judas Priest, Saxon, and dozens more across the Ronnie James Dio and Sophie Lancaster stages, Bloodstock 2026 is shaping up as the must-attend metal festival of the year. Tickets are moving fast—grab yours now at bloodstock.uk.com/tickets to lock in your spot for this historic 25th anniversary. Day passes drop later, and Wednesday early access camping is available for the full-on Bloodstock experience. More bands and onsite surprises are still to come—stay tuned!
Body Count: Rap-Metal Icons Bringing Chaos to Bloodstock
Formed in 1990 by Ice-T and guitarist Ernie C, Body Count rewrote the rulebook by blending hardcore rap’s raw fury with thrash metal’s relentless aggression. From their incendiary self-titled debut—complete with the controversial “Cop Killer”—to their Grammy-winning 2020 track “Bum-Rush” (Carnivore), they’ve been a middle finger to convention, delivering anthems that hit like a sledgehammer. Known for leveling stages with tracks like “There Goes the Neighborhood” and “Talk Shit, Get Shot,” their live shows are a chaotic cocktail of energy, attitude, and sonic brutality.
Festival director Vicky Hungerford summed it up: “After 10 years of trying, we FINALLY get Body Count to Bloodstock!!! This is going to be one of the most memorable shows the festival has ever seen.” With Ice-T’s commanding presence and a refreshed lineup featuring longtime members like Ernie C and Vincent Price, Body Count’s Sunday slot before Judas Priest is primed to be a history-making moment. Expect a set packed with fan favorites, new bangers, and that raw, unapologetic vibe only they can deliver.
The Full Lineup (So Far): A Metal Feast for Bloodstock’s 25th Anniversary
Body Count slots into a lineup that’s already a metalhead’s dream, spanning thrash, deathcore, glam, and everything in between. The Ronnie James Dio main stage boasts headliners Lamb of God, Slaughter to Prevail, Judas Priest, and Saxon, with heavy hitters like Sepultura, Municipal Waste, Death Angel, and Northlane. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, Cryptopsy’s None So Vile 30-year anniversary set, Wednesday 13, Leprous, and Carpenter Brut lead the charge, joined by Life of Agony, Of Mice & Men, Biohazard, and more.
Here’s a snapshot of the stacked roster:
- Main Stage Highlights: Judas Priest, Lamb of God, Slaughter to Prevail, Saxon, Body Count, Sepultura, Municipal Waste, Death Angel, Northlane, Bleed From Within, Vended, Orbit Culture.
- Sophie Stage Standouts: Cryptopsy, Wednesday 13, Leprous, Carpenter Brut, Mushroomhead, Kittie, 200 Stab Wounds, The Hell, Black Spiders, Shining, Nevermore.
- Rising Acts: Evil Scarecrow, Heavysaurus, SKYND, Party Cannon, Battlesnake, Inhuman Nature, Castle Rat, Graphic Nature, Bootyard Bandits, Excrementory Grindfuckers, Hidden Intent, Sellsword, Neckbreakker, Seething Akira, Hammer, Stampin Ground, Urne, Celestial Sanctuary, Viking Skull, Bound in Fear, Imperium, Froglord, Dream State, Trivax.
With more bands still to be announced, Bloodstock 2026 is a genre-spanning beast, blending legacy acts with fresh blood for a four-day metal marathon.
Why Body Count’s Addition Elevates Bloodstock 2026
Body Count isn’t just another name on the bill—they’re a cultural juggernaut. Their debut at Bloodstock taps into years of fan demand, bringing a unique rap-metal edge that complements the festival’s diverse heavy music ethos. From Ice-T’s provocative lyricism to the band’s thrash-meets-hardcore riffs, their set will bridge the gap between Judas Priest’s classic metal thunder and the modern aggression of acts like Slaughter to Prevail. It’s a perfect fit for Bloodstock’s 25th anniversary, a milestone that’s pulling out all the stops.
This addition signals Bloodstock’s commitment to pushing boundaries while honoring its roots. Fans are already buzzing on socials, with posts like, “Body Count before Judas Priest? Bloodstock’s gonna be INSANE!” and “Ice-T at Catton Park? Take my money now!” The festival’s blend of intimate Sophie stage chaos and main stage grandeur, set against Derbyshire’s rolling fields, makes it the ultimate metal pilgrimage.
Tickets and Logistics: Don’t Miss the Metal Party of 2026
- When: August 6-9, 2026, at Catton Park, Derbyshire.
- Tickets: Available now at bloodstock.uk.com/tickets. Day passes coming later; Wednesday early access camping open for max immersion.
- Why Act Fast: With Body Count’s debut and a lineup this stacked, tickets are disappearing. Prices start low, but demand’s spiking post-announcement.
- Stay Updated: Follow Bloodstock on socials or check bloodstock.uk.com for band reveals and onsite entertainment drops.
The Bloodstock Vibe: A 25th Anniversary to Remember
Bloodstock’s silver anniversary isn’t just a festival—it’s a celebration of metal’s past, present, and future. From Body Count’s genre-defying ferocity to Judas Priest’s timeless anthems, the 2026 edition is a love letter to the community that’s made Catton Park hallowed ground. With more announcements looming, including extra onsite entertainment, this is the metal event you can’t skip.
What’s your most anticipated set now that Body Count’s in the mix? Drop it in the comments—let’s get loud. Horns up for Bloodstock 2026!
FAQs: Bloodstock 2026 with Body Count
When is Bloodstock 2026?
August 6-9, 2026, at Catton Park, Derbyshire.
Who are the special guests?
Body Count, playing Sunday, August 9, before headliner Judas Priest.
What’s the full lineup so far?
Judas Priest, Lamb of God, Slaughter to Prevail, Saxon, Body Count, Sepultura, Cryptopsy, Wednesday 13, Leprous, Carpenter Brut, and many more (see above).
Who is Body Count?
Grammy-winning rap-metal icons led by Ice-T, known for “Cop Killer,” “Bum-Rush,” and explosive live shows since 1990.
Where do I get tickets?
Bloodstock.uk.com/tickets—day passes drop later, early access camping available.
Any more announcements coming?
Yes—more bands and onsite entertainment to be revealed.
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Bloodstock 2026 Lineup Update: Body Count Joins @RockNews
